Wisconsin softball's NCAA Tournament run ends with Texas, Baylor losses

Wisconsin softball’s NCAA Tournament hopes ended abruptly after a 9-0 loss to Texas and a 5-2 defeat to Baylor on May 16 in the Austin regional. Texas pitcher Teagan Kavan held the Badgers hitless until the fifth inning, extending the Longhorns’ early lead in a dominant performance. Wisconsin’s season concluded with a 33-21 record, marking the program’s second consecutive 30-plus-win season under coach Yvette Healy. The Badgers’ final game saw Baylor outpace them early, scoring four runs in the first inning, including a stolen-base play by Sa’Mya Jones and Brooklyn Carter. Wisconsin’s only lead came from Hilary Blomberg’s solo home run in the first inning, but Baylor quickly regained control. The Bears loaded the bases twice more, scoring five runs total, while Wisconsin’s pitching struggles continued into the late innings. Wisconsin’s offense had late-game opportunities, loading the bases in the sixth inning after singles by Alivia Bark and Addison Wery, but failed to capitalize. The Badgers’ final out came with a potential tying run on deck in the seventh inning. The loss followed a walk-off win by Hannah Conger against Baylor in the tournament’s first round, but Wisconsin’s momentum stalled against stronger competition. Texas, the No. 2 overall seed and reigning national champion, advanced to the Super Regionals after defeating Wisconsin. Baylor also qualified for the next round, setting up a clash between the two top teams. Wisconsin has never reached the Super Regionals in program history, ending a season that saw Healy’s coaching extend the Badgers’ 30-plus-win streak for the first time since 2011-2014.